My dad and home protection...

A bed side biometric safe is the best way to go. You can keep the gun loaded and secure. It is also quick to access.

Like was already stated people lose motor skills under high stress situations. That is why police and military train so much. The most simple task become extremely difficult. I do not lack motor skills at all. But I have tried to insert a mag backwards once or twice while doing timed drills. So if your not going to practice everyday it's best to keep it loaded and ready. (Police and military don't keep locks on there guns for a reason.)

I noticed someone say they won't to be woke up when they grab there gun. And if it is in the night stand you will only be 1/2 awake. That is not true. I have had a situation ware I thought someone was in my house. And trust me I was awake by the time I got my gun. And it was on the night stand not in it and it was not locked up. Most people wake up very fast if they here a window brake or think someone is in there house. It's just how the human body reacts.

Also a shotgun would be grate. Most likely it will be dark, and you will have tunnel vision. It is just much easier to hit something with a shotgun. Just don't use a double barrel like the VP says. Then you are only limited to 2 shots.

Speaking of shotguns, I recently saw on one of the gun shows a magnet which was placed above the door strong enough to hold a shotgun. It was made expressly for that purpose. It was used in a closet and kept the gun out of reach for children but easy and quick to access if needed. Didn't seem like such a bad idea, and if it wasn't pointed out to anyone they would likely overlook it.

If he really feels it can;t happen to him, and wants to go with a pistol with a trigger lock, I would say get a dog. That way, there will be some advanced warning, which will buy him more time in a panic situation. Besides, a dog, even a small one, makes a good deterent for most criminals. The true bright side to it is, that the dog doesn't need a gun to stop a threat.

IMHO, a 12 gauge shotgun would be much better than a handgun for HD. A few years back, there was a study in which criminals in prison were asked what gun and person combo they would be most likely to back down from. The choices were:

1: Male with a handgun.
2: Female with a handgun.
3: Male with a rifle.
4: Female with a rifle.
5: Male with a shotgun.
6: Female with a shotgun.

I don't remember the exact numbers, but I know that either of the sexes with a shotgun was the #1 "Oh Sh!T!" or "I'm outta here!" choice with over 70% of criminals saying they would bolt or comply with the home owner's demands. Kinda hard to argue those numbers. If he goes for a shotgun, i suggest a pump action. There is no better way to say "Wrong house" then the racking of said shotgun sending a round into the chamber. Trust me, it is a very scary sound to hear in a dark house. Even if you belong there.

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I"m sure there are a lot of opinions on which gun or which sound is the best for scaring the perps. Guess the situation is the final answer. One guy hearing a shotgun rack may be enough...a few guys may need the sound of gunfire to get the message. Whatever works.

I"m sure there are a lot of opinions on which gun or which sound is the best for scaring the perps. Guess the situation is the final answer. One guy hearing a shotgun rack may be enough...a few guys may need the sound of gunfire to get the message. Whatever works.

From a tactical/survival point the the 'racking' sound is just plain stupid!
1. It informs the bandit(s) you are aware they are present thus ends your tactical advantage of surprise.
2. It informs them how you are armed.
3. It give away our location.
Way to much intel for the bandit(s). Just some advise from an old cop/soldier use it as you please!

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An armed society is not always a polite society, but it is a free and safe society!
Self Defense is an absolute and natural right!
Keep your head down and your powder dry!

From a tactical/survival point the the 'racking' sound is just plain stupid!
1. It informs the bandit(s) you are aware they are present thus ends your tactical advantage of surprise.
2. It informs them how you are armed.
3. It give away our location.
Way to much intel for the bandit(s). Just some advise from an old cop/soldier use it as you please!